How to reset Chromecast: instructions for all models

Sometimes you need to reset your Chromecast to its factory settings. You can read how exactly to reset Chromecast in this article with a practical step-by-step plan. We have also included instructions and photos of all models how to reset them to factory settings.

Resetting the Chromecast? It is a simple procedure to reset your Chromecast to factory settings. To reset a Chromecast, the procedure depends slightly on the model, but in general you have to press and hold down the button for 10-30 seconds to start the process.

Having problems with your Google Chromecast? Then it might help to change the wifi network settings, for example. If that doesn’t help, the next step is to reboot by unplugging and plugging it back in.

chromecast-ultra
Via: Wesley Akkerman

Chromecast reset

If this does not solve the problem, the most rigorous step is to reset the Chromecast. This will return it to its factory settings, which means you will have to set up and install it again. But that is something to worry about later.

A Chromecast that doesn’t cooperate is not the only reason to reset the device. It could also be that you are selling a model and want to prepare it for the next owner. You could have bought a second-hand model that has not been reset yet.

These are the most obvious reasons for resetting a Chromecast. You might have another reason, but that’s not really relevant for this article. What is relevant, however, is how exactly to restore these things to their original factory settings.

Reasons to reset Chromecast:

  • Chromecast no longer works – The Chromecast no longer works and you have already tried all the suggestions in this guide.
  • New wifi network You have changed the wifi network, or possibly the password. More info can be found in our Chromecast wifi change guide.
  • Installation failed – If the installation failed and you want to start again, a Chromecast reset is also the first step.

Resetting Chromecast via Google Home

You can reset all versions of the Google Chromecast via the Google Home app. That’s the app you need to install and use the smart device, so that’s also an app you have installed by default on your phone or tablet.

Should you have trouble locating the app: it is an app with an icon of a house inside a white circle. The house is designed with a colorful outline. The name is simply Home, unless you have changed the name yourself. So the app is not at the G, of Google, but at the H, of Home.

Once you have found the app, we can start. Before we go back to factory settings, you should check that the Chromecast is connected to the power supply. This is possible either with the regular plug or with a USB cable and adapter.

Is the plug in the socket? Great. You can also connect the Chromecast to an HDMI port of your television or monitor, for example. This is not necessary, but you may be able to see what is happening better if you have a visual. Now follow the steps below.

? Resetting a Chromecast via the Google Home app is only possible if you know the details of the wifi network the Chromecast is connected to. This is because you need this information to see the Chromecast in the Google Home app.

If not: don’t worry, below I’ll explain how you can do a Chromecast reset without the app.

Chromecast reset via app
In this step-by-step guide, I will explain how to reset the Chromecast using the Google Home app. If this doesn’t work for any reason, please scroll down. I’ll explain the alternative method below.
Open the Google Home application on your smartphone or tablet
This app should already be on your smartphone, if not, you can download it here (Android and iOS).
Find the Chromecast in the device list
In the app you will see a list of all the Google Home devices; your Chromecast should be among them. Then click on it.

If you don’t see it there, don’t worry. Stop with this step-by-step plan and scroll further down.
Click the cogwheel (settings) at the top right of the screen
In the top right corner you will find the settings icon, press it to go to settings.
Now press the 3 dots at the top of the screen
Press the dots at the top of the screen (right)
Then choose the option: Restore to factory settings
Choose restore to factory settings and leave the Chromecast to it.

This option is only available when the Google Chromecast and the Google Home app on your smartphone are connected to the same network. If that’s not the case (and there’s a good chance of that if you’re reading this), you can still fall back on the option below.

Chromecast resetten
Image: Wesley Akkerman

Reset Chromecast via hardware

You can also reset the different Chromecast models via the hardware itself. The first Chromecast works slightly differently to the other models. This is why we have listed the first Chromecast separately; the other models follow the same steps.

Chromecast reset (hardware)
This method always works: you can reset the Chromecast via the hardware. After this simple step, the Chromecast is back to its original settings.
Make sure the Chromecast is connected
Make sure the Chromecast is connected to the HDMI port on your TV (or monitor) and plug it into the wall socket
Turn on the TV
Turn on the TV and choose the right HDMI channel. Even if your Chromecast does not work anymore, this step is necessary.
Wait for the Chromecast to start up
Wait until the Chromecast has launched and you get a Chromecast screen on your TV if applicable.
Press and hold the button on the Chromecast
Press and hold the button on the Chromecast for 10-30 seconds. Depending on the Chromecast model, the time pressed may vary.
Wait for the light to flash
Old(er) versions: Depending on your version of Chromecast, the light will start blinking (red or white). Once you see this, you can release the button.

Chromecast 3, 4 and Ultra: Here, the light will flash first (orange), then hold it until the white light comes on.
The Chromecast is rebooted
The device is now rebooted and the Chromecast reset is complete.

As mentioned, resetting works slightly differently with the second and third generation Chromecast, as well as the Chromecast Ultra and the version with Google TV. These models are more extensive and are connected in a slightly different way. Resetting the second, third, fourth and fifth generation Chromecast works like this:

Meanwhile, you can see what is happening on the connected screen. When the Chromecast resets, you will also see that the screen goes black. When the Chromecast is ready to be installed again, you will see the option appear on the screen.

Below are some images of the different Chromecast versions, showing where the reset button is located.

Chromecast-reset
Chromecast 2 reset – Via: Chromefans
chromecast-reset-button
Via: Wesley Akkerman

Chromecast-reset-Chromecast-with-Google-TV
Via: Chromefans

After following these steps, the Chromecast is completely reset and you can start over with a clean slate.

Chromecast installation

When the time comes, you should use our guide to Install a Google Chromecast. It tells you everything you need to know about installation and the steps you need to follow, and also shows you what the process should look like in the screenshots.

If you still can’t work it out, here is the solution to some common Chromecast problems.

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